Myles Garrett: The Anchor of Cleveland's Stalwart Defense
Myles Garrett has carved out a reputation as one of the NFL's most formidable defensive players, and his performance last season reinforced his standing as a cornerstone of the Cleveland Browns' defense. Garnering the AP Defensive Player of the Year award, Garrett's contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary, establishing him as an integral part of the team's recent success.
Last season, Garrett's stats were a testament to his dominance on the field. In 16 games, he amassed 42 tackles, 30 quarterback hits, 14 sacks, four forced fumbles, and defended three passes. His impact wasn't limited to these impressive numbers; his pressure on opposing quarterbacks was relentless, with 86 pressures, 57 hurries, and an 18.6% pressure rate. Impressively, Garrett has accumulated 88.5 career sacks in 100 games, ranking him third all-time since 1982, trailing only legends Reggie White and T.J. Watt.
Garrett's consistency is another hallmark of his career. He has notched at least 14 sacks in each of the last three seasons and recorded double-digit sacks for six consecutive seasons. This consistency places him in an elite category, as he is tied with Von Miller for the most games with at least one sack.
His mindset, however, reveals a constant striving for improvement. "The focus is finding a way to improve," Garrett shared. "Whether that's mentally, being a leader, being more vocal, leading by example. And then physically, how can I stay at the peak of my powers? I can work on some of the things I'm really good at, but also some of my weaknesses as well." This relentless pursuit of excellence has been a driving force behind his and the Browns' defensive achievements.
The Browns as a whole have mirrored Garrett’s tenacity. Last season, Cleveland's defense led the NFL in allowing the fewest yards per game at 270.2 yards. Their efficiency was evident as they posted a 49% three-and-out rate and led the league in both yards per possession (20.7) and plays per possession (4.5). Furthermore, they allowed the fewest first downs per game, averaging just 14.5. This comprehensive defensive performance has been a cornerstone of their strategy, with Garrett at the helm.
Garrett's offseason approach further illustrates his commitment to growth. "During the offseason, I always try to find things I'm weak on," he explained. "There's ways to do that. The explosive work that we do, change of direction, and play recognition. But I can also work on some hand movements I'm not especially good at, or I can see that someone else is better than me at that position." His willingness to continuously evaluate and enhance his skills speaks to his professional ethos.
By examining the techniques of other elite players, Garrett finds new ways to elevate his game. "Looking at them, seeing how I can improve. Just trying to get their process and using it to make it my own," he noted. It's this kind of dedication that makes Garrett a perennial threat on the defensive line and a model for players aspiring to reach his level of impact.
In a league where defenses are increasingly at a premium, the Cleveland Browns' ability to stymie offensive advances makes them a team to watch. With Myles Garrett anchoring the defense, their prospects look promising. His blend of physical prowess and intellectual approach to the game serves as the linchpin of Cleveland's defensive aspirations. As Garrett continues to refine his craft, the NFL can expect his dominant presence to persist, fortifying the Browns' quest for success on the gridiron.